Afleet Alex Colt Sells for $250,000 at F-T

By Deirdre B. Biles and Esther Marr

An Afleet Alex colt fetched $250,000 from Canada-based trainer Mark Casse, agent, early in the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July select yearling sale in Lexington. The amount surpassed the $200,000 price brought by the first horse in the sale ring, a Colonel John--Racing Quality filly, July 10.

Casse declined to identify the bay yearling's new owner. The colt was cataloged as Hip No. 9 in the auction's catalog.

"I liked him because he reminds me a lot of Uncaptured, a really good 2-year-old I have," Casse said. "He ran the fastest Beyer so far this year. Normally, I don't usually look at Afleet Alexes, but I loved him. I'm trying to buy horses that go two turns and he looks like he will."

Consigned by Baccari Bloodstock, agent, colt is the first foal out of the unraced Vindication mare Rhythm Gal, who is a half sister to 2002 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Sarava (by Wild Again). Other family members include Canadian champion Wilderness Song, who was a grade I winner in this country.

Baccari Bloodstock consigned the colt after purchasing him for $20,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale.

Michael Hernon of Lexington-based Gainesway Farm, where Afleet Alex stands, was the immediate underbidder.